In Memoriam: Eddie Gregory

Bolton Wanderers were saddened to learn of the passing of former ball boy and ardent supporter Edward Gregory earlier this month, aged 17.

Better known as Eddie, the teenager was diagnosed with a non-germinomatous germ cell tumour of the pineal gland in his brain in March last year.

Shortly after his diagnosis, former Whites keeper Mark Howard paid a special visit to his family home in Lostock Hall to raise his spirits during his chemotherapy at The Christie Hospital.

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Heartbreakingly however, the youngster lost his battle with the disease in the early hours of Friday 15 March at Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley. He leaves behind his dad Chris, mum Keeley and brother Rob.

Born in Bolton, Eddie moved to Lostock Hall when he was a baby but remained a huge Bolton Wanderers fan and in recent years acted as a ball boy for the club for two seasons after training with the club's academy.

He began playing football at the age of six with Penwortham Town and became the Lostock Hall Juniors’ coach at the age of 14 after helping his dad coach the Under-6s.

Eddie was also the runner-up and Highly Commended Young Volunteer of the Year 2018 at the South Ribble Sports Awards – an accolade which has since been renamed as The Eddie Gregory Young Volunteer of the Year award in his memory.

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As he grew up meanwhile, he continued to support the Trotters home and away, with his love for his beloved football club always clear to see.

His final resting place meanwhile is a Bolton Wanderers themed coffin, which has been signed by club captain David Wheater and first team duo Sammy Ameobi and Connor Hall.

The thoughts of all at the football club are with Eddie’s family, friends and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.

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